In the peaceful countryside near Gore, Pete Henderson has become something of a local legend— not for any grand accolades, but for the quiet, steady way he passes down his wisdom to his grandkids.
Since retiring, Henderson has traded the busy demands of daily work for the calm of the riverside, where he teaches his grandkids the importance of self-reliance and the age-old art of fishing.
“I’ve always thought that kids need to know how to take care of themselves,” Henderson says with a grin, gripping his well-worn fishing rod. “There’s a lot you can learn just sitting by the water, waiting for a fish to bite.”
His love for fishing is rooted in his own childhood, when his father would take him to the river with little more than a basic rod and a tackle box. Fishing became more than just a pastime for Henderson; it was a way to connect with nature, unwind and practice patience.
“Fishing teaches you that you can’t control everything,” he reflects. “You just have to be prepared, do your best, and wait.”
These life lessons are exactly what he hopes his grandkids will take to heart. He doesn’t take them to flashy fishing resorts or load them up with high-end gear. Instead, they head out to the Arkansas River or local ponds near Gore and Vian, where Henderson shows them the basics: how to bait a hook, cast a line, and read the water for the best spots.
But beyond the technical skills, Henderson instills a deeper message of self-reliance and resourcefulness—encouraging his grandkids to solve problems with what they have, rather than relying on the latest tools or gadgets.
“You never know what life’s gonna throw at you,” he says, leaning back in his chair by the water’s edge. “But if you’ve got a little know-how and some patience, you’ll be all right.”
Henderson’s grandkids, ranging in age from young children to teens, cherish these fishing trips. For them, it’s about more than catching fish—it’s about spending time with their grandpa and learning values that are hard to come by in the fast-paced, tech-driven world they live in.
On these outings, Henderson also teaches them how to clean and cook their catch, ensuring they understand the full cycle of sustenance.
“It’s important for them to know where their food comes from,” he explains. “And to appreciate it.”
Although Henderson doesn’t volunteer at schools or youth organizations, his time spent with his grandkids has taken on the feel of a personal mentorship.
“I’ve got five grandkids, and they all love our fishing days. We don’t always catch something, but we always learn something,” he says.
Watching his grandkids take these lessons to heart gives Henderson immense pride.
“The world’s changing so fast,” he reflects. “But some things never go out of style—like knowing how to take care of yourself, respecting the land, and having patience. I hope they carry these lessons with them when they’re older and pass them down to their kids.”
As he baits another hook and hands it to one of his grandkids, it’s clear that the lessons learned on these peaceful trips will outlast any fish they catch. For him, it’s about more than teaching them to fish—it’s about giving them the tools and values that will help them navigate life’s challenges with resilience, independence and gratitude.
